Caring for natural pool frogs in winter

If you have a swimming pool or hot tub or especially if you have a natural swimming pool with the holding tank, chances are you have frogs. Is there anything you should do to be caring for natural pool frogs in winter? Yes, if you want them to visit you next summer. No if you have been plagued by frogs in and around the swimming pool.

For those who want to assure these insect-eating amphibians survive the winter months, you can take care of the pond frogs and help them by taking a few quick and easy steps. The swimming pool contractors from SwimRight Pool Service explain that very few frog species can survive in water that is below 32 degrees. What can you do to help them survive the season?

Caring for natural pool frogs in winter

1. Give them a safe haven where they can sleep the winter away. Lay some dead logs, rocks with crevices and leaf compost next to the water.
2. Dig a hole three feet deep by three feet square and drop in natural debris and leaves for those frogs who like to burrow.
3. Don’t dismantle the pond in which the frogs spend their summer. If they are accustomed to it they may not have time to locate a new hibernation space. Many frog species will sleep on top of mud or hibernate partially covered in water.
4. If you know your frogs have not vacated the area, invest in a de-icing unit and install it in the pond to keep the water from freezing. Many amphibians can survive in cold water, but not frozen water. NOTE: If the pond freezes, create one large hole in the ice so frogs can get out. A pond that is iced over won’t give any fresh oxygen to the frogs — something they need to survive. Don’t use a hammer to break a hole as that can harm the frogs. Instead, fill a bucket with hot water, tie a rope to the bucket handle and set the bucket on top of the ice. Hold it until the ice melts and the bucket begins sinking into the ice. Keep it up until the ice is completely opened up.